Secretary of State meets Canadian Trade Minister

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The Government is committed to trade talks with Canada which could bring economic benefits worth an estimated £400m to the UK, the Secretary of State for Scotland said during a visit to Canada.

The Government is committed to trade talks with Canada which could bring economic benefits worth an estimated £400m to the UK, the Secretary of State for Scotland said during a visit to Canada.

He met the Canadian Trade Minister Ed Fast in Ottawa to discuss ways of improving trade and reiterated the UK’s support for the ongoing EU/ Canada Comprehensive Trade and Economic Agreement (CETA) talks.

They discussed a series of issues including opportunities for the Scotch whisky industry in the Canadian market and the financial sector. Mr Moore also received an update on the Canadian perspective on the talks and their progress.

The negotiations are reaching their final stages and the UK Government is committed to seeing an ambitious agreement being concluded as soon as possible.

The Minister, on a series of visits in the US and Canada to promote trade and discuss Scottish issues, said:

“Canada and the UK have a long shared heritage which includes a strong trade relationship. I was glad to be able to meet the Canadian Trade Minister to discuss ways to build on that in the future. The CETA negotiations are a real chance for us to open up opportunities for both the UK and Canada and I hope they can be concluded shortly. Scottish business is in a great position to take advantage of further trade with Canada in the future.”

The UK is Canada’s second largest trading partner after the US and exported goods and services worth £8.62 billion last year, a growth of around 8 per cent.

The Minister later hosted a whisky tasting event for businesses and other invited guests at the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) Armoury in Montreal.